TITLE: Rivers–Charania Rift Adds Drama to Bucks’ Turbulent Off-Season
SLUG: rivers-charania-rift-bucks-offseason-2026
CONTENT:
Milwaukee’s eventful spring took another twist Monday when former head coach Doc Rivers said on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” that ESPN insider Shams Charania phoned the Bucks front office and demanded removal of a video in which Rivers jokingly urged All-Star celebrity-game captain Giannis Antetokounmpo to “trade” the reporter. Rivers, officially out as head coach after the 2025-26 season, called Charania “emotional” and claimed he was warned by “about 10 people” that a retaliatory story would follow.
Later the same day, Charania responded on “The Pat McAfee Show,” insisting his recent report detailing Milwaukee’s internal problems was “accurate.” “If they spent as much time dealing with their own internal problems as they did responding to accurate reports, they wouldn’t be in the mess they’re in right now,” Charania said.
Locker-Room Friction
Eric Nehm of The Athletic, citing multiple league sources, reported that Rivers told several veteran players after a March 21 shoot-around in Phoenix that they had “failed” him and questioned their commitment, conditioning, focus and leadership. One unnamed player said that moment was “when I checked out on this season.”
Antetokounmpo Situation Called “Toxic”
Team broadcaster Marques Johnson told EssentiallySports’ Mark Medina that the disagreement between Antetokounmpo and the organization over the star’s health has become “a bad situation,” describing the atmosphere as toxic.
Early Coaching Candidates
With the bench vacant, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jim Owczarski listed four potential coaches: former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, current Bucks assistant Darvin Ham, Spurs assistant and ex-Bucks aide Sean Sweeney, and Heat assistant Chris Quinn. Milwaukee previously received permission to interview Quinn, while Sweeney is known to have a strong relationship with Antetokounmpo.
Roster and Cap Outlook
In an offseason primer, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that Milwaukee must secure a lead guard and rebuild a defense that fell to 26th in the league last season. Marks also reviewed the club’s salary-cap flexibility and trade assets while tying the coaching search to Antetokounmpo’s long-term future.
Green Sets Franchise Three-Point Record
Fourth-year guard A.J. Green, who begins a four-year, $45 million extension in 2026-27, closed the regular season by hitting 11 three-pointers Sunday, setting a Bucks single-game record, according to the Associated Press.
Source: Hoops Rumors
